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How To Play Football In Wellington

Ready to lace up your boots and join Wellington's football community? Capital Football serves as the Kaitiaki (guardian) of football in the Wellington region, overseeing a diverse range of competition formats designed to meet every player's needs. Whether you're a beginner taking your first steps on the pitch or a former player looking to return to the game, the first step is getting in contact with your local club.

For more information, please see our offerings below or find your local club with our club finder tool. With flexible formats, beginner-friendly options, and a strong emphasis on fun and wellbeing, there's never been a better time to discover your place in Wellington's football whānau.

Football For Every Age And Stage

Football in Aotearoa New Zealand is delivered through Whole of Football 2.0, a national framework that guides how the game is structured across the country.

Alongside this, the NZF Player Development Framework supports consistent, high-quality experiences for players at every stage, from first-time participants through to high performance environments.

Together, these frameworks ensure the game is delivered in ways that are age-appropriate, inclusive, and connected across all levels of the game.

Junior Football (4 - 13 Years)

First Kicks (4-7 years)

McDonald's First Kicks introduce young players to football and futsal in the FUNdamental phase of development, often their first experience of the game. Sessions are fun, engaging and movement-focused, with plenty of ball touches to build core skills and confidence. Children learn at their own pace through enjoyable activities and games, helping them fall in love with football from day one.

Fun Football and Futsal (8-9 years)

McDonald's Fun Football and Futsal introduce young players to football and futsal in the FUNdamental phase of development, often their first experience of the game. Sessions are fun, engaging and movement-focused, with plenty of ball touches to build core skills and confidence. Children learn at their own pace through enjoyable activities and games, helping them fall in love with football from day one.

Mini Football and Futsal (10-13 years)

McDonald's Mini Football and Futsal players are in the Skill Development Phase - the “golden years” of learning - and are ready to build skills and movement confidence. Fun is still the key motivator, so players learn through enjoyable, game-like scenarios in smaller formats, helping them transfer skills into 7v7 and 9v9 Mini Football.

Youth Football and Futsal (14 - 19 Years)

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Youth Football and Futsal marks the Team Development Phase, where players experience 11v11 football or full-court futsal for the first time.

Motivations begin to vary - some play socially, while others pursue higher performance pathways. With core skills established and significant physical and personal change underway, there is a stronger focus on physical preparation, injury prevention, and position-specific, game-based training.

Senior Football and Futsal (20+ Years)

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Senior Football and Futsal offers two pathways: the Performance Phase for those pursuing the game competitively, and the Lifelong Phase for those playing socially. As adults, players are more physically and psychologically stable, but motivations vary. Programmes cater to individual goals, with strong preparation, injury prevention and performance strategies in place. Learning continues in game-based, position-specific environments.

Women & Girls Football (4+ Years)

​​​​​​​Football is for everyone, and Capital Football are committed to providing football opportunities for Women and Girls to thrive. Start your journey with our Fantails and KICKIN'IT programmes, progress through junior girls’ festivals, girls only leagues and competitive women's leagues, or National League opportunities. Whether you're kicking a ball for the first time, returning to the game, or looking to lead, coach or referee, there is a place for you in our football whānau.

Performance & Prevention Resources for Players

Access expert support from New Zealand Football’s Performance and Prevention team to help players at every level prepare, perform, and recover throughout their football journey.

Explore resources on injury prevention, preparation, load management, and performance development so you can stay fit, sharp, and in the game for longer.

Contact our Federation Development Team

Our Federation Development Team is here to support you. As kaitiaki of football in our region, we're committed to developing the game in all its forms to ensure football is accessible and beneficial for everyone. Have any questions? Get in touch with our Federation Development Team: